“I think how fast he’ll integrate himself [depends on] how healthy he is,” Celtics general manager Danny Ainge told SiriusXM radio. “I hope he comes back healthy. He had the best season [in Boston] since Paul Pierce. I love Isaiah and he is a true baller. He’s a guy I will never bet against.”

It is interesting to hear Ainge say that he would “never bet against” Thomas when that’s basically exactly what he did by trading him to the Cavs for Kyrie Irving. With Thomas approaching a contract year, he was not interested in taking a long-term gamble. But he still showed appreciation for Thomas season last year.

Thomas has said all-along that he harbors no ill-will towards the city of Boston or Celtics fans. But if he does indeed return in time to place the Celtics on Jan. 3, he’ll certainly have something a little extra for Ainge.

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